Wales lock Luke Charteris will leave Newport Gwent Dragons at the end of the season.

French club Perpignan are favourites to sign the 28-year-old World Cup star, while a team from Japan and a Super 15 franchise are also interested.

Charteris' agent says the player will insist on release for all Wales commitments at his new team.

"A player's career doesn't last forever and I want to experience as much as I can," said Charteris.

Charteris' agent Christian Abt dismissed reports that Charteris would leave the Dragons immediately, saying: "There's absolutely no truth in him leaving the Dragons prior to the end of the season."

Abt, of ABC Sports Management, also says he player's negotiations with potential new clubs are "complicated" because of the desire to be available for all international training and playing duties, including the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.

Charteris targets Wales availability

The news of Charteris' departure comes in the same week in which Cardiff Blues backs coach Gareth Baber called for the Welsh Rugby Union to give the Welsh regions more funds to help them keep hold of big name players.

Charteris is out until April because of a wrist injury, forcing him to miss the forthcoming Six Nations championship.

The 6ft 9in player has targeted Wales' three-Test June 2012 tour to Australia with a return from injury for the Dragons ahead of that trip to Australia.

Charteris added: "Being a professional rugby player gives an opportunity to travel and see the world which I feel I can't pass up.

"The chance to live in a different country and enjoy a new culture and way of life is one not everybody gets.

"A player's career doesn't last forever and I want to experience as much as I can.

"I have always been very clear that if I was to stay in Wales it would be with the Dragons. This is my region and it has been a really difficult decision to decide to move on.

"I'm only 28 and I see the Dragons as my home team so after a stint abroad I could perhaps come back a better player to Rodney Parade."